Japan to provide $4.8m to strengthen Bangladesh's election systems

Japan has joined hands with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), pledging JPY 695 million (about USD 4.8 million) in grant aid to strengthen Bangladesh’s efforts toward a free, transparent, and inclusive national election.

A partnership agreement was signed between Japan and UNDP at the Bangladesh Election Commission Secretariat in the capital on Wednesday.

Japanese Ambassador SAIDA Shinichi and UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller inked the agreement in the presence of Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin and Director-General of the International Cooperation Bureau of the Japanese Foreign Ministry ISHIIZUKI Hideo.

Under this partnership, Japan will provide grant assistance of JPY 695 million (approximately USD 4.8 million) to enhance the institutional, technical, and operational capacity of the Bangladesh Election Commission.

The project aims to strengthen voter and civic education, encourage greater participation of women, youth, and underrepresented groups, and support measures to ensure transparency and integrity throughout the electoral process.

The CEC welcomed Japan’s support, saying this partnership will help further strengthen the systems and deliver elections that uphold public trust and democratic values.

Japanese Ambassador SAIDA said Bangladesh stands at a pivotal moment in its democratic journey. “With respect for Bangladesh’s ownership, Japan fully supports Bangladesh’s effort to carry out a peaceful and democratic political transition through free, fair, and inclusive elections. We hope that Japan’s assistance through UNDP will contribute significantly to these efforts.”

UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller said, “Japan’s support reinforces our shared goal of helping Bangladesh hold peaceful and credible elections that truly reflect the will of its people.”